What is Cleft Lip/ Palate?

Cleft means split or separation of parts. During early pregnancy separate areas of the face develop individually and then join together. If some parts do not join properly the result is a cleft. The type and severity of clefts vary from child to child.

Why should it be treated?

A completely formed lip is important not only for a normal facial appearance but also for sucking and to form certain sounds made during speech. A cleft lip is a condition that creates an opening in the upper lip between the mouth and nose. It looks as though there is a split in the lip. It can range from a slight notch in the coloured portion of the lip to complete separation in one or both sides of the lip extending up and into the nose. A cleft on one side is called a unilateral cleft. If a cleft occurs on both sides it is called a bilateral cleft.